Man attacked woman over donkey abuse claims

A woman who sells hot drinks on Blackpool’s Golden Mile from her tri-cycle was spat at in the face by a man who believed she had “grassed” him up to an animal welfare charity.

Andrew Lomas identified the mobile drinks woman as the person he believed had reported him to the RSPCA for allegedly beating beach donkeys with his fist and a pole.

The case against 42–year old Lomas and two other defendants is awaiting trial.

However Lomas, of Central Drive, Blackpool, was brought before Blackpool magistrates where he pleaded guilty to assaulting a witness in the abuse case.

Lomas was made the subject of restraining order forbidding him from going between Central and North Piers where the woman plies her trade.

He must not have any form of contact with her.

He was also made the subject of an 18 month community order which will include anti-violence training. Lomas who now works in a warehouse was put on an eight week curfew and must pay his victim £200 compensation and £85 court costs.

A probation report on Lomas said he was ashamed of what he had done and realised he should have walked away from the scene.